Stainless steel braided hoses for brake and clutch

Message

#1 Post by **mangocrazy** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:13 pm

I'm thinking of getting some HEL s/steel braided lines for the Falco, but was wondering what improvement (if any) I'd be likely to see.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that the standard Aprilia lines are of a superior quality to the normal rubber hoses that get fitted to most bikes as standard. Is this true or did I dream it?

I was intending to go for a straight 2 line setup on the front brake as opposed to the 1 split into 2 of the standard setup. I'm not planning on bothering with the rear brake just yet.

If people have swapped, what make of hose have they chosen? I'm only interested in stainless fittings, connections and hoses and will probably have a black or clear coating on the lines.

D-Rider · #2 Post by **D-Rider** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:22 pm

Yes the lines fitted as standard are Freudenberg items which are better than your run-of-the mill lines. I think they are reinforced but don't ask me how and with what.
Those that have fitted braided lines all seem to say that they have made a noticeable improvement.
I've not made that change ... I did buy some mille braided lines (second hand off ebay) .... but they seem to be a bit short for the falco .....

Syltiz · #3 Post by **Syltiz** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:30 pm

I fitted HEL at the same time I fitted my radial brakes, so I cant tell what individual difference they made as the overall effect is amazing feel. I went for the 1 into 2 setup and the fitting just makes it with the forks fully extended but other than that they are well made and look good a year on.

DavShill · #4 Post by **DavShill** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:35 pm

I had HEL fitted on the front last year. there is a noticeable difference IMO. Plenty of feel still but absolutely no spongyness. I then fitted a pair of Pazzo short racing levers. This improved the feel even more - excellent 2 finger braking - very confidence inspiring.

Viffer · #5 Post by **Viffer** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:28 pm

I've fitted Hel lines straight two line set up for the front, much better feel at the lever, fitted cluth and rear brake line at the same time just for the looks, I rarely use the back brake and can't feel any difference in the clutch, no real resistance to the lever see.
Fit them at least the front, you wont regret it.

Aladinsaneuk · #6 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:30 pm

agree to HEL braided all round - well worth it imho

#7 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:51 am

Cheers - the missus has been asking me what I want for Christmas - I think I'll point her to the HEL website with clear instructions...

D-Rider · #8 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:32 pm

mangocrazy wrote:Cheers - the missus has been asking me what I want for Christmas - I think I'll point her to the HEL website with clear instructions...

She'll enjoy giving you Hel for Christmas .... burt I guess when the bill comes, there'll be Hel to pay.

Coat being collected before I sneak off unnoticed .....

Aladinsaneuk · #9 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:29 pm

may want the mille rear brake line.....

just a thought

oh, and go for double hoses for the front

and read up on the stickied thread when it comes to bleeding :)

Viking · #10 Post by **Viking** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:09 am

Hey all,

I'm looking for some braided lines and this thread was in the search results.

Everyone so far has recommended HEL lines, which is all fine, but I've seen some 'Cobra' brand lines on eBay.

Anyone have any experience with them? (They are about 2/3 the price of the HEL ones, BTW.)

Thanks!

Aladinsaneuk · #11 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 8:20 am

sorry mate, have never heard of them :(

Fausto · #12 Post by **Fausto** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 9:50 am

Never heard of them either - are they 'local' to you?

Either way I would be wary of cost cutting where brakes are concerned. One thing to look out for is what the fittings are made from - there is lots of info about this and the possible pitfalls on the Hel site.

I have used Hel on my DRz and would happily fit them to the Falco if there was any point.

D-Rider · #13 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:12 am

Never heard of them either but price sounds good. I've always thought that the likes of Goodrich and Hell are very expensive for what they are - so as long as the quality is OK they sound like a worthwhile option.

Samray · #14 Post by **Samray** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:19 am

They are an Ilkeston firm producing under licence to Hel.

Custom Biker T/A Cobra Performance Brake Lines

13 Mill Street

Ilkeston

Derbyshire

DE7 8GG

United Kingdom

Tel: 07962 368810

Hours of business: Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm

Saturday 9am-12.30pm

Sundays and Bank Holidays CLOSED

D-Rider · #15 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:25 am

Samray wrote:They are an Ilkeston firm producing under licence to Hel.

Custom Biker T/A Cobra Performance Brake Lines

13 Mill Street

Ilkeston

Derbyshire

DE7 8GG

United Kingdom

Tel: 07962 368810

Hours of business: Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm

Saturday 9am-12.30pm

Sundays and Bank Holidays CLOSED

Sounds like a bargain, then !